Being the “Voice of God”, Old New York, and a Spot for V-Day
I just completed a “Voice of God” job for an awards ceremony at the beautiful art deco Edison Ballroom. Oh, to explain, “Voice of God” is not at all a biblical term, it is actually a production position at a live event. You know that voice that you hear, but don’t see? The voice saying “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the…… Awards. Please be seated. The ….Awards will begin in just a few moments.” This is also known as a live announcer, but “voice of God” sounds much more interesting.
Anyway, this past week, my VOG job (lingo from the industry) took me to the Edison Ballroom.
Built in the 1930’s, the Edison Ballroom was constructed adjacent to the Edison Hotel on West 47th street in the heart of the theatre district. The Ballroom had been closed for many years, but about 10 years ago, after a multi-million dollar renovation, it opened complete with its splendid art deco design.
The Edison Ballroom is mainly an event space, but on certain dates, it opens to the general public for dancing, dining and cocktails, a throwback to the elegance of old New York. Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band headline the Edison Ballroom.
They do special events for New Year’s and just had their Friday Valentine’s Day event.
Check their website for upcoming events. www.edisonballroom.com
It is worth going to enjoy a very special evening in a spectacular venue with a fabulous big band.
And since Valentine’s Day is coming up this week, if you want to find a place that will not only provide a special menu, but also present an evening with live, romantic music, check out my special go-to restaurant, Etcetera Etcetera on West 44th Street. On Valentine’s Day, a night of performance and a special menu will be presented in their upstairs room. You can also dine downstairs if you prefer to be more actively engaged in conversation.
With its sexy, sleek design, incredibly friendly and fun servers, and unique menu offering delicious dishes, Etcetera Etcetera is owned and operated by the amazingly talented, upbeat and inspiring Daniele Kucera. I always say when I go to EE, I feel much better about myself and the world when I’m there, then when I walked in. Great food, wine and spirits, a lovely surrounding, and positive vibes will do that. In this laid back environment, Etcetera Etcetera is also a restaurant where you may run into a celebrity, not because it is the place to be seen, but because it is the place to feel at home. Etcetera Etcetera is quite perfect for Valentine’s Day,as a fiery red is the eatery’s main accent color.
Happy V-day to one and all!
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
